Launch vehicle for a mining system, a mining system and a method for mining

ABSTRACT

The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from International Application No. PCT/NL11/50136 by Cornelis Wilhelm In't Hout, filed Feb. 25, 2011, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a launch vehicle for a mining system. The invention also relates to a mining system including such a launch vehicle as well as a method for mining.

BACKGROUND

Mining and, more specifically, high-wall mining may be conducted for removing coal, minerals, ores or other materials in seams or veins under an overburden that may be accessed from an exposed edge of the material seam or vein. Such type of mining is applicable where the appropriate machinery can be placed in-line with the vein to be mined (e.g. in a cut or bench), to extend a cutterhead. For deeper penetration of the cutter head in the vein, as is practiced in high-wall mining, the cutter head is followed by a train of conveyor segments or units as the cutterhead advances, into a substantially horizontal shaft under the overburden. The conveyor segments are also known as push beams, as they are not self-propelled; rather they are pushed into the mine. Each onveyor segment has transporting means such as one or more screw conveyors (“augers”), conveyor belts or chain/scraper conveyors to move the mined material from its lead end to its rear end and further onto the next rearward conveyor segment and, ultimately, to the launch bed. The screw conveyors, conveyor belts or chain/scraper conveyors can be powered by shafts connected from one conveyor segment to the next that are ultimately turned by a motor on the launch vehicle, by a separate power generating unit that is connected to the launch vehicle or by a motor at the cutterhead end of the train.

The prior art launch vehicles may comprise a frame structure including a conveyor segment transfer mechanism that handles the conveyor segments with a gripper frame as well a launch frame. The frame structure is detachable in multiple segments to be transported to and from mining locations, as the structure as a whole is too large for transportation in its entirety over longer distances. For self propelled relocation of a launch vehicle over shorter distances on a mining location and on relative flat surfaces the frame structure is normally carried by at least four tracks that support the frame structure at its corners. Such prior art launch vehicles are among others known from WO 95/300676, WO 2005/116402 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,807. Optionally the launch vehicle also may comprise anchoring mechanisms, a gas supply and/or discharge equipment

The present invention has for its object to provide a launch vehicle for a mining system, a mining system and a method for mining that provides an enhanced manoeuvrability and that enable mining at reduced costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment a launch vehicle for a mining system comprises a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit mounted to the launch frame and a drive system for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit or a combination thereof.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompany drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a launch vehicle as part of a mining system according the invention used in surface mining;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the mining system as partially shown in FIG. 1 modified for use in steep, directional high wall mining, and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the mining system as partially shown in FIG. 2 now used in horizontal directional high wall mining.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

In an exemplary embodiment, a mining vehicle for a mining system as disclosed herein, use can be made of a standard base of existing high performance shovels or cranes, (e.g. with a power of 1500, 1600 or 2000 kW). Instead of a dedicated designed launching vehicle, the invention disclosed herein provides for the use of relatively easy to acquire and relatively easy to service equipment. The disclosed launch vehicle is also far more manoeuvrable than the prior art launching vehicles leading to serious savings in time and cost during repositioning. For example, instead of dismantling, moving and reassembling a launch frame, the disclosed launch vehicle can easily be moved as a complete unit, even on sloping surfaces.

Another advantage of the launching vehicle as disclosed herein is that it may also be dismantled by detaching the launch frame and/or a crane unit and may be reequipped with other features (e.g. booms, sticks, buckets, backhoe) to be able to execute differing functions from the same launch vehicle. An example of such an alternative use may be as a shovel to prepare contour benches.

In an exemplary embodiment, an advantage of the launch vehicle according the invention is that it enables a broader use or field of application especially steep and deep mining. With the known launching equipment for high wall mining, only mining of seams up to 8° relative to horizontal has been possible. The disclosed invention provides the opportunity for mining up to seams up to 30°, or more, relative to horizontal. Likewise with prior art launching equipment for high wall mining, only mining of seams up to 300 meters in length was possible. The present invention provides the opportunity for mining of seams up to seams up to 500 meters length, or more.

In an exemplary embodiment a crane unit is mounted to the launch frame. The advantage of such a connection is that the launch frame and crane unit are even simpler to connect and disconnect with the upper frame. A further advantage is that the forces exerted by the crane unit will be absorbed by the launch unit and have thus less influence on the upper frame. For easy handling of equipment parts such as cutter head and conveyor segments like push beams, the crane may, in an exemplary embodiment, be provided with a gripper frame or unit on the free end of a boom. A gripper unit is already known to be used in mining equipment but now the gripper unit may simply be attached to a boom (stick) of a crane arm to provide all the desired equipment handling.

In another exemplary embodiment the base frame and the upper frame are connected through an intermediate bearing ring. Such construction is long-lasting and robust while still providing the desired freedom of movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the base frame will be provided with two tracks as this enhances the manoeuvrability relative to known base frames with more than two tracks.

The drive system may comprise an internal combustion engine but, as an alternative, may also comprise an electric drive that is powered by an independent electric power source. Normally the internal combustion engine/electric drive is used to at least partly convert the available energy to hydraulic.

The upper frame may simply be connected to the launch frame at dynamic couplings that are normally standard parts of existing high performance shovel or crane units. For providing a further enhances manoeuvrability of the launch frame (e.g. with the intention to mine seams under steep angles) the upper frame may be connected to the launch frame with at least one intermediate cylinder thus providing the possibilities for positioning the launch frame relative to the upper frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention also provides a mining system that comprises a launch vehicle as disclosed above with at least one conveyor segment connecting to the launch frame of the launch vehicle and a cutterhead connecting to the train of conveyor segments opposite the side connecting to the launch vehicle. Such a system may be applied for surface mining. In case the mining system also comprises a train of conveyor segments connecting to the launch vehicle the system may be used for high wall mining. Further advantages may be realized by providing the mining system with a gas feed running from the base structure to the cutterhead for guiding inert or venting gas to the environment of the cutterhead thus to reduce the risk of gasses or dust igniting in the environment of the cutterhead.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for mining using a launch vehicle as disclosed herein wherein the launch vehicle is driving a train of conveyor segments at an angle of about 8° to about 30° relative to horizontal in a mining shaft and, more preferably at an angle of about 0° to about 35° relative to horizontal. Also the launch vehicle may be driving a train of conveyor segments with a length of more than 300 meters, preferably more than 350 in a mining shaft.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a view of a launch vehicle 1 as part of a mining system provided with a tracked base frame 2. An upper frame 3 is rotatably connected to the base frame 1 around a substantially vertical axis 4 of rotation. A launch frame 5 is mounted to the upper frame 3 and a rear support beam 5.3 of the launch frame 5 extends transversely of the launch frame and may include a crane unit 6 mounted thereon. A drive system (not shown) for operating the launch vehicle 1 may be integrated in the upper frame 3. On the upper frame 3 a cabin 7 for an operator is provided as is an engine-generator room 23 containing power and gearing systems (not shown).

The mined material will be fed to the back side of the launch frame 5 where is may be discharge with a transporting system 16 or by directly dumping the material in trucks 18. For handling any equipment the crane unit 6 may, on it outer end, be provided with a gripper frame 8. The launch vehicle 1 is shown in an open pit 9 where the material to be mined 10 is excavated.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates a mining system 19 comprising the launch vehicle1, as show in FIG. 1, but now driving a cutterhead 11 in a steep shaft 12 in an overburden 13. As is only partially visible in FIG. 2, the mining system 19 is provided with a train of conveyor segments 14 connecting to the launch frame 5 of the launch vehicle 1. The launch frame front support beam 5.2 extends transversely of the launch frame 5 and may be support reels 15 for a power line and a hose. The power line may be used to provide electric or hydraulic power to the train of conveyor segments 14 or to the cutterhead 11. The hose may be for feeding inert or venting gasses to the environment of the cutterhead 11 and/or for the discharge of fluid (dewatering) from the shaft 12.

FIG. 3 shows the mining system 19 of FIG. 2 adapted for use in a horizontal mining shaft 20. A rear discharge boom 24 may be mounted between the tracks 2 of the launch vehicle 1 in the area 28 defined by the undercarriage ground clearance for further transport of mined material by means of an additional stacker belt with hopper (not shown). FIG. 3 is useful for illustrating the connection between the upper frame 3 and the launch frame 5. The upper frame 3 is provided with dynamic coupling positions 21 holding segmented coupling arms 22 that incorporate cylinders 26 (ex. Hydraulic cylinders) for positioning the segmented coupling arms 22.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present application. 

1. A launch vehicle for a mining system comprising: a tracked vehicle base frame; an upper frame rotatably mounted to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation; a launch frame connecting to the upper frame; a crane unit mounted to the launch frame; and a drive system for driving at least one of the tracks, launch frame, and crane unit.
 2. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the crane unit further comprises a gripper frame provided on an outer end thereof.
 3. The launch vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the tracked vehicle base frame and the upper frame are connected with an intermediate bearing ring.
 4. The launch vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the tracked vehicle base frame is provided with two tracks.
 5. The launch vehicle according claim 4, wherein the drive system comprises an internal combustion engine.
 6. The launch vehicle according to claim 4 wherein, the drive system comprises an electric drive that is powered by a separate electric power source.
 7. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame is connected to the launch frame by segmented coupling arms attached to dynamic coupling positions located thereon.
 8. The launch vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame is connected to the launch frame with at least one intermediate cylinder for positioning the launch frame relative to the upper frame.
 9. A mining system comprising: a launch vehicle having a tracked vehicle base frame; an upper frame rotatably mounted to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation; a launch frame connecting to the upper frame; a drive system for driving at least one of the tracks, launch frame, and crane unit; at least one conveyor segment connecting to the launch frame of the launch vehicle; and a cutter head connecting to the conveyor segment opposite the side connecting to the launch vehicle.
 10. The mining system according to claim 9, wherein the mining system comprises a train of conveyor segments connecting to the launch vehicle.
 11. The mining system according claim 10, wherein the mining system comprises a gas feed running from the launch vehicle to the cutter head for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutter head.
 12. A method for using a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising: providing a tracked vehicle base frame having an upper frame rotatably mounted to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit mounted to the launch frame, and a drive system for driving at least one of the tracks, launch frame, and crane unit; wherein the launch vehicle drives a train of conveyor segments at an angle of about 0° to about 35° relative to horizontal in a mining shaft.
 13. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments having with a length of more than about 300 meters and preferably more than 350 meters in a mining shaft.
 14. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments with a length of more than about 300 meters and preferably more than 500 meters in a mining shaft.
 15. The method defined in claim 12 further comprising: driving the launch vehicle with a train of conveyor segments at step angles of about 0° to about 35° relative to horizontal to create at least one one-pass mining shaft from one global launch position.
 16. The method defined in claim 15 wherein the driving of the launch vehicle can be accomplished without pit-floor and earth moving preparations. 